EE, formally Everything Everywhere, has announced its smartphone data plans ahead of launching its 4G network.

The cheapest tariff available £36 per month which includes 500MB of data. Users will gain unlimited calls and text messages as standard so only need to pick how much data they need.

Olaf Swantee, CEO of EE, said: "Our new plans have been developed to offer our customers everything they have been asking for – superfast performance, choice and value – as well as a fresh approach to pricing and customer service that offers accessibility, flexibility and guidance every step of the way."

From the base price of £36, the data plans go up in increments of £5, each bringing more data. 1GB, 3GB, 5GB and 8GB data plans are therefore priced at £41, £46, £51 and £56 per month, respectively.

Users who already own a 4G smartphone can get the same data plans but £15 cheaper, bar the 8GB plan which isn’t available. Users without a 4G capable smartphone can upgrade to one for £99. However, this only applies to users in their first six months on a contract with an Apple iPhone 4S, Samsung Galaxy S3 or HTC One X.

The firm will be the first to launch a 4G network in the UK for smartphone users on 30 October called 4GEE.